Kariba Travel Information

The Basics

Time

Electricity

Language

English is the official language in Zimbabwe, although it is only spoken as a first language by a tiny percentage of the population. Several indigenous languages are spoken including Shona and Ndebele.

Travel Health

Travellers to Zimbabwe who are coming from infected countries
require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Vaccinations
against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid are recommended. A
high prevalence of AIDS/HIV exists in Zimbabwe. There is a risk of
malaria all year in most of the country, particularly in the
Zambezi Valley, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and in the
Eastern Highlands; the risk is very small in Harare and Bulawayo.
Mosquitoes are chloroquine resistant. Precautions against mosquito
bites should be taken to avoid any number of mosquito-borne
diseases. Cholera outbreaks occur usually during the rainy season
when flooding and contamination of water sources takes place.
Rapidly declining health standards are also responsible for
Zimbabwe having one of the lowest life expectancies in the world,
according to the World Health Organization, and a breakdown in the
water distribution system, especially in Harare. Visitors are
advised to take food and hygiene precautions. The standard of tap
water in urban areas is considered low, and bottled water is
available. The current economic instability has led to shortages of
medication in public hospitals, and striking is common; it is
advisable to bring a supply of personal medication. Medical
insurance is essential. Private clinics expect cash payment and
medical costs can be high.

Tipping

A service charge is usually included in the bill in Zimbabwe,
otherwise a 10 percent tip is customary for staff in restaurants,
hotels and taxis. In general, tipping for good service is
discretionary. Some tour guides and game rangers depend largely on
tips for their income.

Safety Information

Zimbabwe has a less-than-glowing safety report according to most
governments. Continued political unrest and vigilante action by
members of the National War Veterans' Association have left most
farm and rural areas unsafe for travel due to the high chance of
crime.

Even within cities like Harare there are indiscriminate
outbreaks of violence and looting. The government is widely
acknowledged to be dysfunctional. Although Zimbabwe is unstable,
there have been no reports of violence targeted at foreign
tourists; nonetheless it is wise to use taxis and hire cars to
avoid walking the city streets alone at night.

While there are travel advisories in place for much of the
country, Victoria Falls is considered safe and well-policed and the
majority of visits are hassle-free. The resort areas around Lake
Kariba are also considered to be safe, especially on guided tours
and package holidays.

Local Customs

In Zimbabwe it is against the law to take photographs of public
buildings or government institutions, and it is not advisable to
take photographs anywhere in the vicinity of such buildings, or any
roadblocks and illegally occupied farms, as this could lead to
arrest. It is also illegal to take photographs of police and
military, as well as of demonstrations. It is a criminal offence to
make insulting comments about President Mugabe and his government.
It is also an offence to continue driving when the President's
motorcade goes past, no matter which side of the road you are on.
Visitors should be aware that an open hand is the political symbol
of the main opposition political party, the Movement for Democratic
Change, and a friendly wave may therefore be misinterpreted as a
provocative gesture. Homosexuality is illegal. Civilians are not
permitted to wear camouflage clothing.

Business

Business in Zimbabwe is conducted in English, and is fairly
informal, with drinking and socialising very much part of the
business scene. Dress is fairly conservative, but lightweight suits
or casual jackets are more suited to the hot climate than formal
business wear. It is customary to shake hands with men and women at
the beginning and end of a meeting. Business hours are generally
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4:30pm, although hours vary considerably
depending on the establishment; some businesses close at 11am on
Wednesdays, and some are open on Saturday mornings.

Communications

The international dialling code for Zimbabwe is +263. The
outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
0027 for South Africa). International Direct Dialling is available.
City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)4 for Harare. Local operators
provide GSM 900 network mobile phone coverage in most cities, towns
and tourist areas throughout the country. Internet facilities are
available in most towns and cities, but internet cafes are often
crowded.

Duty Free

Travellers to Zimbabwe do not have to pay duty on items to the
value of US$250 provided this allowance is not claimed more than
once in a 30-day period. These include goods for personal
consumption, including tobacco, and alcohol up to 5 litres with no
more than 2 litres of this being spirits. Prohibited items include
narcotic and amphetamine drugs, honey, indecent or obscene reading
material, toy firearms, and blade knives.

Become our Kariba Travel Expert

We are looking for contributors for our Kariba travel guide.
If you are a local, a regular traveller to Kariba
or a travel professional with time to contribute and answer occasional forum questions, please contact us.